Changes to Indonesia’s Visa on Arrival Rule

Changes to Indonesia’s Visa on Arrival Rule
Sudden Change to Indonesia's Visa Rules Causes Concern in Tourism Circles.

Bali News: Changes to Indonesia’s Visa on Arrival Rule
(2/1/2010) In a dramatic change to the current immigration rules, starting on January 26, 2010, foreign tourists from countries eligible for "visa-on-arrival" will now be given a 30 day visa that can be renewed for an additional 30 days.

As part of the new changes the 7-day visa at US$10 has been abolished, with the 30-day US$25 visa (renewable for an additional 30 days) being the only visa that can be issued to eligible tourists.

Not Without Problems

The move, championed by the government as a step to help increase tourist visitors to Indonesia and encourage a longer length of stay, is not without its critics.

• Suggesting the move was taken without inter-departmental consultation, Firmansyah Hakim, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's Director General of Tourism Destination Development was quoted by The Jakarta Globe criticizing the new policy, saying: "I am worried the regulation would affect foreign tourists who make frequent short stays . . .We are going to ask the immigration department to sit down with us and hopefully we can come up with a solution," he said.

Firmansyah added: "We hope this policy will extend tourists’ stays in Indonesia, giving them a chance to visit more places in the country," he said. "The policy will also simplify the supervision of overstaying foreign tourists because there is only one visa option."

• Officials have depicted the new policy as a means to combat corruption within Indonesia’s immigration department. In 2009, immigration officials at the Denpasar Airport immigration office were caught embezzling Rp. 3 Billion (US$300,000) in visa fees obtain through the misreporting of 7-day and 30-day fees.

• Some tourism figures are unhappy that tourists are not automatically given a 60 day visa on arrival, removing the need for any renewal process and the still unclear cost of extending the original visa.

• According to the Indonesia Digest, the new visa policy has increased the cost for some of a short family outing to Riau island for a day at the beach or a round of golf. Moreover, the new policy was introduced with little advance notice, disrupting existing holiday bookings made with travel agents, golf course and hotels in Batam and Bintan. The Governor of Riau promise has written urgently to Coordinating Minister for the economy demanding a review of the new policy.

It should be noted that ASEAN nationals are exempt for the new visa policy and are granted a visa-free facility for their Indonesian visits.

© Bali Discovery Tours. Articles may be quoted and reproduced if attributed to http://www.balidiscovery.com. All images and graphics are copyright protected.

Bali Real Estate: Boom or Bust?

Bali Real Estate: Boom or Bust?
Editorial: Changes in Land Ownership Rules Now Under Consideration May Threaten Bali's Culture and Heritage.

Bali News: Bali Real Estate: Boom or Bust?
(2/2/2010) The Indonesian press has been awash with news of a promised change in property laws that, if approved, would allow foreign nationals to lease land for 75 years. The response to the proposed regulation has earned enthusiastic praise from the national property sector. Conceivably, the new rules would end the illegal and fraught-with-danger current procedure of placing a property in the name of a nominee Indonesian national. Meanwhile, members of the prestigious Real Estate Indonesia (REI) optimistically project that liberalized property ownership for foreigners will open a flood gate of demand for property purchases by foreigners, primarily in Jakarta and Bali.

One Bali-based property developer - who runs investment seminars as well as advertorials on Bali radio stations and print media, has even begun running advertisements heralding coming increases of 500 to 1,000% in both demand and prices for Bali real estate if the proposed new law is approved.

Unwittingly sounding what may be his darkest warning, the same developer even proudly quotes himself in one of his advertorials saying, "Bali real estate would be like Hawaii 30 years ago."

Threat or Fair Warning?

Similarities between Hawaii's property boom and what dark prospects that may lay ahead for Bali's delicate culture could hardly be more ominously stated. In the Hawaiian context, New England Calvinist missionaries arrived in Hawaii in the early 19th century, fell in love with the islands and, together with their progeny, imposed far reaching changes in the social and political structures. Chief among these were changes in the rules on private property that allowed the newcomers to take possession of huge tracts and, in some cases, entire islands. Hungry for more land, more money and more power - the Hawaiian pretenders even managed to extend their domination and overthrow the Island's traditional government in 1893. Over the ensuing decades, the native Hawaiians and their rich culture became increasingly marginalized through their disenfranchisement from their lands and cultural institutions.

The culture of the Balinese people is inextricably linked to the island's land. In fact, ancestral lands dictate the very position of every Balinese in society; where he must return for ritual prayers, where his ancestral spirits visit each year between Galangan and Kuningan, and the location for critical rites of passage. Membership in local banjars and subaks are property based, dictating both the rights and obligations of stewardship for every member of a Balinese community.

It is not an exaggeration to suggest that a Balinese without ties to the land is genuinely disenfranchised; something less than a true Balinese.

Sadly, developers salivating at the prospect of quick returns on the real estate market are both aided and abetted by Balinese who sell their land, lured at the idea of unheard sums suddenly landing in their hands. As a result, increasingly many are the stories of listless characters, idle in the local villages who, only a few years ago, held immense wealth but who are now penniless and landless; the proceeds from the sale of their ancestral land frittered away on motorcycles, cockfights and transitory high-living.

Property developers respond, insisting they are empowering the Balinese by placing hard cash in their hands in a process which is, after all, undertaken without coercion and completely at the will of the Balinese seller. And while such arguments are not without force, the practical consequence of the ongoing land rush in Bali is that land once sold by a Balinese to an "outsider" is extremely unlikely to ever return to the hands of a Balinese in some future cycle of land transactions. As island newcomers build homestead with little nuance of Balinese culture in their design and reap the financial gains of the promised 1,000% return on investment, the next generation of Balinese born without ancestral lands to inherit have nary a "hope in paradise" of possessing the financial wherewithal to purchase even a modest piece of real estate on "their" island.

A local pundit, only half-jokingly, described a future in which fast ferries would operate from Lombok to Bali carrying loads of Balinese to work as maids and houseboys in luxury villas now standing on their ancestral lands. Later in the day, those same ferries will bring troupes of professional dancers to recreate ersatz renditions of Balinese dance and music to the delight of the Island's new masters.

"Nyoman, be a dear and get me another gin and tonic."

Are such dire warning alarmist and overstated? Perhaps. In fact, we would be genuinely delighted if that proved to be the case.

At the same time, those who argue for a laisez faire approach to Bali’s future development are blind to the negative impact of the many changes now taking place on the island and equally naïve to the dismal outcome that awaits wherever and whenever money is the only measure of value.

In the end, it is only the Balinese who will save their island and its magnificent culture. Governor Pastika's effort to introduce island-wide zoning and building standards offer a ray of hope that wise men with noble aims might still be heard amongst the deafening din of cash registers.

Fail to head these voices screaming in the Bali wilderness and it may mean aloha ahiahi or good night to yet another tropical island paradise.

© Bali Discovery Tours. Articles may be quoted and reproduced if attributed to http://www.balidiscovery.com. All images and graphics are copyright protected

I wish for you a wealthy , healthy and happy life

Wishing you a happy Galungan and Kuningan Day

The day commemorated as the victory day of "Dharma" (virtue) upon "Adharma" (evil) according to the old history of Bali (Purana). This day the Hindus give thanks to their gods and feel grateful for His blessing and for the creation of the earth and its contents. This victory day is celebrated every six months (6x35 days=210 days), which is called Galungan Day. It is called Galungan, probably because it is celebrated on wuku Galungan (based on the Balinese calendar), and so does Kuningan Day that falls on wuku Kuningan.

This day is the day of rituals, festivities and celebrations with "Penjor" the artistically decorated bamboo-pole stuck at every house entrance, adorning the both sides of the village-roads symbolizing of prosperity.
There are several processions need to be done to celebrate Galungan Day:
>>PENYEKEBAN ( 3 days before Galungan - 11 Oct 2009 )
On this day, people begin to prepare the necessities for the Galungan ceremony. They collect fruits and store them in a special place until they get ripe.
>>PENYAJAHAN (2 days before Galungan - 12 Oct 2009 )
On Penyajahan day, people keep on maintaining awareness, patience and the purity of the soul in order to control the demons. Another meaning of Penyajahan is making or cooking Balinese cakes (jajan). Therefore, on this day, people have to cook various kinds of Balinese cakes for the ceremony to come.
>>PENAMPAHAN (one day before Galungan )
This is a sacrificial day. This is the day to slaughter sacrificial animals like chickens, ducks or pigs. People cook them into various kinds of Balinese food, such as satay, soup, lawar (a special Balinese food made of meat or vegetables, mixed with coconut sauce).While the women continue to be kept busy with the preparations of the many offerings to be made at the temple on the day of Galungan, men also prepare a long bamboo pole, or 'penjor', is made to decorate the entrance to the family compound. By late all over Bali the visitor can see these decorative poles creating a very festive atmosphere along the streets.
>>GALUNGAN DAY, ( 14 Oct 2009 )
On the Galungan day itself, Balinese Hindus go to temples and other holy places to pray. People are dressed in colorful Balinese costumes. They carry the offerings for their God.
>>MANIS GALUNGAN (15 Oct 2009 )
On this day, Balinese Hindu communities usually visit their relatives, friends and neighbors. They forgive each other and remain together. It is also a day to relax and visit places of interest, after the long days of preparations for the celebration.

"The connection between Mayadenawa and Galungan Day"

Once upon a time, there lived a powerful King called Mayadenawa. Mayadenawa was a descendant of daitya (powerful giant), the son of Dewi Danu. Because of his power he was able to transform himself into many kinds of creatures and forms.

This King ruled over the areas of Makasar, Sumbawa, Bugis, Lombok, and Blambangan. Because of his great power, Mayadenawa became snobbish and cruel. During this period a priest with divine power, called Mpu Kulputih. Mayadenawa did not allow the Balinese to worship gods, and he destroyed all the temples.

Because of this the people of Bali became desperate, the plants were destroyed, plaque was everywhere. The people did not dare to fight back or argue the order of Mayadenawa because of his magical power.

Mpu Kulputih was so sad to see this condition. Then he meditated at Pura Besakih to ask for the God's guidance to handle the chaos within Bali society caused by the King's behavior. Then he got guidance from the god Mahadewa to go to Jambu Dwipa (India) and ask for help.

It is not clear about who was finally sent to India, and how was it until a platoon of troops from heaven came to attack Mayadenawa. It was said that the God Indra led the troops from heaven, with complete weapons to Bali. In that attack Citrasena and Citragada led the platoon in the right wing.

Sang Jayantaka led the left wing, whereas Gandarwa led the main platoon. Bhagawan Narada was sent to investigate Mayadenawa's palace. Mayadenawa has known the attack from the troop of Bhatara Indra, because he had many spies.

Therefore, he prepared his troop to face the attack from the troops of heaven. A war cannot be avoided, a dreadful war that caused many victims from the both side.

But, because the troop of Bhatara indra was stronger, finally Mayadenawa's troops fled and left the King and his assistance, who is called Si Kala Wong. Good luck was with Mayadenawa and his assistance because the war had to be stopped, because the night has come.

At night, when the troops from heaven were still asleep, Mayadenawa came and created water with poison in it near the beds of the troops from heaven. Then, he left that place, and in order not left any trail, he walked with the sides of his feet.

That place later is called Tampak Siring. The next day the troop from heaven woke up from their sleep and drank the water that has been created by Mayadenawa. All of the members of the troops became sick.

Bhatara Indra found out about this, then he created another source of water called 'Tirta Empul'. Because of this source of water, the sick troops became well. The flow of the water from Tirta Empul became a river called Tukad Pakerisan.
Bhatara Indra and his troop chased Mayadenawa who had run away with his assistance. In his flight Mayadenawa transformed himself into 'manuk raya' (a big bird). This place later is known as Manukaya village.

Mayadenawa could not trick the powerful Bhatara Indra. Mayadenawa transformed himself several times into 'buah timbul', 'busung', 'susuh', 'bidadari' and finally turned himself into a stone called Si Kala Wong. Bhatara Indra shoots it with an arrow till he died.

His blood kept on flowing and became a river called Petanu. This river is cursed. If it used to water the rice field, the rice paddies would grow rapidly, but when harvested blood would came out of it and smell bad. This cursed will end in 1000 years.

The village where Mayadenawa transformed himself into 'timbul' fruit, later is known as Timbul village, the place where he transformed into 'busung' (young coconut leaf) is called Blusung village, the place where he transformed himself into susuh is called Penyusuhan village, and the place where he transformed into a fairy, later is called Kedewatan village (Ubud).

The death of the King Mayadenawa is the victory of the good (dharma) upon evil (adharma). This victory day is celebrated every six months (6x35 days=210 days), which is called Galungan Day. It is called Galungan, probably because it is celebrated on wuku Galungan (based on the Balinese calendar), and so does Kuningan Day that falls on wuku Kuningan.

The celebration of Galungan dan Kuningan is started on Tumpek Wariga or Tumpek Pengarah, the preparation for Galungan and Kuningan, until Budha Keliwon Pahang or is also called Budha Keliwon Pegat Wakan.

Let's take action and share our ideas

The Seventh Kuta Carnival Collaborates Ritual, Culture and Environment

A Welcome from Committee Chairman of Kuta Karnival
I Ketut Nugra - Chairman of Kuta Karnival

Om Swatiastu,

On behalf of the people of Kuta, Seminyak and Legian, we warmly welcome you to Bali's 7th Annual International Event Kuta Karnival - A Celebration of Life. This Official Programe Book, complete with schedule, venues, maps and information, is designed for you to enjoy the various activities throughout the Kuta Karnival as there are over 20 events to choose from, in the 9 day period.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all supporting sponsors, media, the government and community members for their tireless efforts in making this event a success. Let's celebrate life!

Please join the Kuta Karnival on the beautiful Bali Island for a refreshing visit, INSPIRING TOGETHERNESS.

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om

Ketut Nugra

You can expect more exciting events from Kuta, Seminyak , legian, Nusa Dua, Sanur and all over Bali this month.

The seventh Kuta Carnival is designed as a medium of collaboration of devotee’s appreciation to culture, ritual and nature. This collaboration is meant to maintain this balance and it will be interpreted by presentation of art and culture, spiritual activity as well as environmental care action. Even, to improve and encourage the national identity and to appreciate the national culture, Kuta Carnival will also perform the colossal Pendet Dance.
Thus was revealed when the Committee of Kuta Carnival was received by the CEO of Bali Post Media Group (KMB), Satria Naradha, at K Nadha Bali Press Building, Wednesday (Aug 26). According to the Head of the Committee of Kuta Carnival, Ketut Nugra, the event of this year would be organized on the upcoming September 19-27. Opening ceremony would be centralized at Kuta Beach starting from 15:00 Local Time with a variety of activities.
“The current Carnival has cultural spirit, spiritual and appreciation to the environment. By featuring the theme “Ecological Creative” we would like to invite the public to care of the environment including the spirit of culture and life,” he said. Similar affirmation was delivered by Puspa Negara. He said that the concern with culture, nature including the spirit of rituals should be echoed continuously. Diversity of cultural style that we believe has ritual values including the business potential that should be preserved. “We wish to construct an acculturation of life rhythm, either that gets in touch with the nature, cultural or ritual life,” he expressed.
CEO of Bali Post Media Group, Satria Naradha, responded the event positively. He expected that all components of community awaken to maintain their national identity and culture. By this awareness, he expected the awakening of nationalism and establishment of appreciation to traditional arts. National identity could be accommodated by providing space, and facilitating the artist to express their creations, including protecting the forms of their creativity.
Agenda of the Kuta Carnival will be graced by cultural parade, spiritual activity in the form of pasepan agung, yoga and food festival. Other agenda consists of the presentation of colossal Pendet Dance including environmental care action and will be organized at different locations such as Seminyak, Legian and Kuta Beach.

Calendar of Events 2009

Last updated August, 26 2009
Opening Ceremony with Turtle Release & Paddle for Peace

The first day of Kuta Karnival! Join the baby sea turtles on the Kuta beach at sunset and watch surfers from around the world welcome the Kuta Karnival.

Time: Saturday 19 September 2009, 3pm to 6pm.
Venue: Balawista Lifeguard Corner.
Kite Festival

Look up to the sky and enjoy the colours of the Bali kites.

Time: Saturday 19 September 2009, 3pm to 6pm.
Venue: Balawista Lifeguard Corner.
Puja Shanti

Participate and let’s resonate peace, from Bali to the entire world.

Time: Sunday 20 September 2009, sunset time.
Venue: Seminyak Beach.
Mepantigan Balinese Martial Art

See wrestling on sand at this sunset performance.

Time:
(Day 1) Sunday 20 September 2009, 3pm to 6pm.
(Day 2) Monday 21 September 2009, 3pm to 6pm.
(Day 3) Tuesday 22 September 2009, 3pm to 6pm.


Venue: Main Tent.
“Morning of the Earth” Yoga

To all Yoga practitioners! Come and join this sunrise celebration on Seminyak Beach.

Time: Monday 21 September 2009, sunrise time.
Venue: Seminyak Beach.
Bali Hotels Association’s Bartender Competition

Watch Bali’s best bartenders compete on the beach… the party ingredient is Balimoon!

Time: Wednesday 23 September 2009, 3pm to 6pm.
Venue: Main Tent.
Sunset Dances

Must see! Balinese traditional dances on the beach every sunset time. This is why Kuta Karnival always attracts a crowd of admirers.

Time: Wednesday 23 September until Saturday 26 September 2009, 5pm to 6pm.
Venue: Seminyak Beach.
Graffiti Cartoon Expose

Cartoonists from around Bali show off their talents.

Time: Everyday from Saturday 19 September until Sunday 27 September 2009, 4pm to 7pm.
Venue: Main Tent.
T-Shirt Cartoon Competition

Calling tourists and locals… please join our cartoon competition and win for yourself great prizes.

Time: Sunday 20 September 2009, 4pm to 7 pm.
Venue: Main Tent.
Mini Cartoon Exhibition

Laugh out loud, visit the cartoon exhibition!

Time: Everyday from Saturday 19 September until Sunday 27 September 2009, all day.
Venue: Main Tent.
Youth Race

Calling all high-school boys and girls… please join the amazing race.

Time:
(Day 1) Friday 25 September 2009, 10am to 7 pm.
(Day 2) Saturday 26 September 2009, 2pm to 7 pm.

Venue: start at Main Tent.
Movie Screening

Watch a movie on the beach!

Time: Everyday from Sunday 20 September until Saturday 26 September 2009, 7pm to 9pm.
Venue: Main Tent.
Barong Reptile Show

Get up close and personal with the friendly reptiles of Bali… join Reptile Feeding Contest, workshop, body painting and there is also a giant snake!

Time: Everyday from Monday 21 September until Saturday 26 September 2009, 4pm to 7pm.
Venue: Main Tent.
Street Art & Sand Sculpture Competition

Catch art on the streets of Kuta and when the weekend sunset comes, do art on the beach of Kuta.

Time: Everyday from Wednesday 23 September until Saturday 26 September 2009, all day.
Venue: Main Tent.
SFO & Oakley Present Open Stage

You want to show off your talent in music, singing or dancing? Come up to the Open Stage!

Time:
(Day 1) Tuesday 22 September 2009, 10am to 3pm.
(Day 2) Wednesday 23 September 2009, 10am to 3pm.

Venue: Main Tent.
Kuta Young Architects

See what the young ones are building on.

Time: Everyday from Saturday 19 September until Sunday 27 September 2009, all day.
Venue: Main Tent.
Youth Info Center

Find more information about how exciting teenage years are.

Time: Everyday from Saturday 19 September until Sunday 27 September 2009, all day.
Venue: Main Tent.
Raremotion Artist Series

Students of the Arts Institute exhibit their works on Kuta beach.

Time: Everyday from Saturday 19 September until Sunday 27 September 2009, all day.
Venue: Main Tent.
Bali Blogger Community

Internet-mania… come and introduce yourself to the Bali Blogger Community.

Time: Everyday from Saturday 19 September until Sunday 27 September 2009, all day.
Venue: Main Tent.
Environment Day

Join fun games and learn about what you can do for our earth!

Time: Saturday 26 September 2009, 9am to 1pm.
Venue: Main Tent.
Surfer Girl Presents the Surfer Girl Big Splash ‘09

Join two days of fun on the beach… if you surf, try the competition to win some great prizes however if you don’t, then just join the laughter with friends and family!

Time:
(Day 1) Thursday 24 September 2009, 9am to 5pm.
(Day 2) Friday 25 September 2009, 9am to 5pm.

Venue: Main Tent.
Cardinal Music Awards

Listen to fabulous music on the beach and see young bands compete for the grand prize in the midst of fabulous fashion shows.

Time: Friday 25 September 2009, 4pm to 10pm.
Venue: Main Tent.
Bali Food Festival

Food, food, food and more of delicious food!

Time:
(Day 1) Friday 25 September 2009, lunch and dinner.
(Day 2) Saturday 26 September 2009, lunch and dinner.
(Day 3) Sunday 27 September 2009, lunch and dinner.

Venue: Legian beach.
Fishing Fun

Join the fishermen and come back to cook your own catch of the day!

Time: Sunday 27 September 2009, 2pm to 6pm.
Venue: start from Bali Food Festival stage on Legian beach.
Street Parade & Closing Ceremony

At the closing of nine-day event, watch a carnival on the streets of Kuta with decorated cars, music and dancing!

Time: Sunday 27 September 2009, 3pm to 7pm.
Venue: Starting from Anggrek Inn, along the streets of Kuta, ending at the new Kuta Gates/Candi Bentar Kuta.







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